Pujara, Iyer consolidate after Pant’s dismissal

Bangladesh bowlers kept up the good work but India batters found a way to forge crucial stands on the opening day of their first Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Wednesday. 

At Tea on Day 1, India reached 174 for four after 56 overs with Shreyas Iyer unbeaten on 41 off 77 and Cheteshwar Pujara 42 off 116 not out. With 89 runs scored for the loss of just one wicket in the 30 overs of the second session, India will be the happier of the two sides.  

All-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz scalped the only wicket that fell in the second session as he removed the dangerous Rishabh Pant just a few overs after the players resumed following the lunch break. 

Rishabh Pant, who remained relentless since coming on to bat, swept Miraz for a six over midwicket – his 50th maximum in Tests. But Miraz had the last laugh as in the very next ball, Pant, trying to steer the ball behind point for his seventh boundary, got a bottom edge to a delivery that kept a bit low and held it's line before dismantling the stumps. The left-hander had to walk off after a 45-ball 46, laced with six boundaries and two maximums.  

That wicket brought an end to a crucial 64-run fourth-wicket stand between Pant and Cheteshwar Pujara.  

India, however, bounced back from that with Pujara and Iyer forging another important 62-run unbeaten stand. Both Iyer and Pujara played cautiously but pounced on the loose deliveries whenever offered. 
  
Earlier, Bangladesh were rewarded for their tight line and length in the morning session as they picked up three Indian top-order batters. Taijul Islam has been the most impressive for the Tigers as the left-armer accounted for two wickets, including the prized scalp of Virat Kohli.